Real Madrid confirm Thibaut Courtois has undergone knee operation

The Belgian has not featured for Los Blancos during the 2023-24 campaign, having suffered an ACL injury ahead of the season opener against Athletic Bilbao.

Courtois has worked his way back to fitness in recent months, though, and he had been in line to make his long-awaited return for Real Madrid after the March international break.

However, the goalkeeper suffered another devastating injury blow on Tuesday, tearing the internal meniscus in his right knee - the opposite knee which he damaged back in August.

"Our player Thibaut Courtois underwent successful surgery today for a tear in the internal meniscus of his right knee under the supervision of the Real Madrid Medical Services. Courtois will begin his recovery process in the coming days," read a statement from the Spanish outfit on Wednesday morning.

Real Madrid confirmed the injury blow on Tuesday after Courtois had undergone a scan.

"After the tests carried out today on our player Thibaut Courtois, he has been diagnosed with a tear of the internal meniscus of his right knee. The injury occurred during today's training session. Pending evolution," read a statement on Real Madrid's official website.

The recovery from the goalkeeper's latest injury is expected to be two to three months, meaning that he will now be looking to next season to make his return.

Courtois has been with Real Madrid since 2018, making 230 appearances for the club in all competitions, including 49 outings during the 2022-23 campaign.

The 31-year-old has won two La Liga titles, the Copa del Rey, two Spanish Super Cups, the Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup and the Club World Cup during his time at Bernabeu.

David Alaba damaged his ACL in December and will also be missing for the rest of the season, but Eder Militao, who suffered his ACL injury in August, is on course to return after the international break.

Militao has been pencilled in to make the squad against Athletic next weekend, with Real Madrid set to be boosted by the return of a key player for the final stages of the campaign.

Courtois's absence means that Andriy Lunin is expected to keep his role as the number one for the remainder of the season.

Lunin had been rotating with Chelsea's on-loan goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga earlier this term, but the Ukraine international has now established himself as first choice between the sticks.

Kepa is unlikely to join Real Madrid on a permanent basis this summer, with the Spaniard expected to return to his parent club at the end of the campaign.